St Jude aortic valve

[jcat2006]

Can anyone tell me generally how long you can have a St Jude aortic valve in your heart before it needs to be replaced? My husband has had his since 1995 and picked this option as opposed to a tissue value because he was told it would never have to be replaced. He has a dr. appointment next week and will ask the question, but I generally wanted to ask the group if you had clearer answer than "never had to be replaced." He had an aortic root replacement in January and they said the valve was okay and did not replace it, so I assume he has many more years with it, but just wanted to see if the group any thoughts since I always get such helpful information here.

Thanks!

Jen

 

[Ross]

Hi Jen

Typically the St. Jude valve should last the lifetime of the patient. Mechanically it will not fail, but there have been incidences where it had to be replaced because of leaks around the sewing cuff or infection set up on the sewing cuff. With proper follow up, lifetime should be your answer.

 

[Cooker]

Hi Jen

Typically the St. Jude valve should last the lifetime of the patient. Mechanically it will not fail, but there have been incidences where it had to be replaced because of leaks around the sewing cuff or infection set up on the sewing cuff. With proper follow up, lifetime should be your answer.

I agree with Ross 100%. I just wish I could live half as long as mine!

 

[MarkU]

What Ross said. My surgeon even joked that when I was gone they could take mine out, clean it up, and give it to someone else.

 

[Rich]

I also agree with Ross.
I received mine in 1996, the surgeon told me I would most likely die of something else before the valve gave out.
There have been occasional problems as Ross pointed out, but for me the valve has been really great.
It gave me a new lease on life.
Rich

 

[RCB]

Have no fear with your St. Judes!

Have no fear with your St. Judes!

Can anyone tell me generally how long you can have a St Jude aortic valve in your heart before it needs to be replaced? My husband has had his since 1995 and picked this option as opposed to a tissue value because he was told it would never have to be replaced. He has a dr. appointment next week and will ask the question, but I generally wanted to ask the group if you had clearer answer than "never had to be replaced." He had an aortic root replacement in January and they said the valve was okay and did not replace it, so I assume he has many more years with it, but just wanted to see if the group any thoughts since I always get such helpful information here.

Thanks!

Jen

Jen,
You need not worry about his valve wearing out. There are thousands
of people who have 1st generation valves that are now near 40 years old!
The St. Judes is like a cat- it has at least nine lifes.

 

[wxman]

At my first post surgery checkup...my caridiologist said my St Jude's valve would last as long as I did. I wasn't sure if that was comforting or not!

 

[Ross]

At my first post surgery checkup...my caridiologist said my St Jude's valve would last as long as I did. I wasn't sure if that was comforting or not!

Yeah when they say that, kind of makes you stop and scratch your head doesn't it?

 

[EVELYN]

When Tyce got his St. Jude's almost 4 years ago this month, our surgeon said it had a "lifetime guarantee"......comforting but scary, isn't it!!!

Ev

 

[jcat2006]

thanks!

thanks!

thanks! great news...one less worry for me